On the path of glory

There is no looking back for the United Arab Emirates. Its goal is to scale new heights of glory, and go from strength to strength. What makes the country an exception among the global community is its visionary leadership. It is always in pursuit of thinking big, and realising the dream for the betterment of its people. The leadership believes in development and prosperity. It is, indeed, a role model for many in the region and beyond, which is why more than 200 nationalities consider the UAE as their second home, and the sense of belonging is next to none. Its nationalistic hallmarks are the spirit of oneness, justice for all and a pro-developmental agenda.
The UAE today is the heartthrob for people around the world in terms of tourism, business and enterprise. Its strengths are a vibrant infrastructure, a hassle-free administration and pro-business policies. The country believes in pluralism and has shunned extremism. The creation of the Ministry of Tolerance, and the leadership's resolve to empower the youth make it crystal clear that the UAE is a forward-looking country, and one that believes in egalitarianism, which is why it has set before it gigantic tasks such as landing on Mars, the Red Planet, in the year 2021, and holding of Expo 2020 in Dubai.
The economic strengths of the country are unscatched despite the global downturn. The UAE is home to some of the greatest big-ticket developmental projects, and its quest to diversify the economy to non-oil based resources is exemplary. The UAE's goal post is self-reliance and the route is sustainable development. The good point, however, is that the country and its leadership keep on raising the bar for development, and strive for it diligently. This is what makes the UAE citizens and the expatriates proud enough, and inculcates in them the spirit to deliver the best. 
An overview of the year 2016 makes it clear that it has come a long way while realising its dreams for a better tomorrow. One of its major contemporary achievements has been on the smart transformation front. The UAE is ranked 1st among Arab countries, and 8th globally, in smart electronic services index. Dubai and the UAE have a passion for smart cities, smart transportation and smart technological advancement. This is why the country has not only digitalised its economic and administrative database, but also endeavours to make it as easy and accessible as a click away from the mouse. The UAE's immigration and civic services, just a swipe away, are reflective of the country's progress and confidence in technology.
This makes the UAE a perfect case to be acknowledged as one of the most developed countries in the world. Pro-sustainable growth policies provide it with an edge in the fields of communications, logistics, infrastructure and human development. E-governance remains a focus area, and this includes e-recreation. The Roads and Transport Authority's EC3 module integrates various modes of commutation. This is no less than innovation at its best in the public sector. 
The UAE, at the same time, believes in recreation and wants to build one of the most admired infrastructure, which should help it promote tourism and trade, alike. The latest example is the 3.2-kilometre long Dubai Canal, which has been built at a cost of Dh2.7 billion. Moreover, Dubai wants to build another tallest tower in the world for which the foundation has already been laid. The world failed to beat the supremacy and height of Burj Khalifa, and so Dubai itself thought of registering another first-of-its-kind by raising the world's tallest tower.
Similarly, as Dubai Mall is the world's largest mall, the UAE has plans to build a mega-Dubai Mall for the millions of tourists who come its way. Dubai and the UAE are in constant transformation, and excellence is their buzzword. The intention is to provide the right environment and infrastructure for business and development.
Another of Dubai's endeavour is to go green. It is already an oasis in the desert, and has pledged to cut harmful emissions within the next four years. Its strategy to opt for hybrid and electric vehicles is a case in point. Dubai has already set up a Green Mobility Initiative to monitor and execute the policies on going green. Twenty-five per cent of cars on the UAE roads by the year 2030 will be man-less and auto-driven - another first of its kind in the world.
Last but not the least, the UAE has an eye for sports excellence as well. It has some of the greatest clubs in the world, wherein sports celebrities come up with their trademark of excellence and expertise. Thus it is no surprise that the UAE National Paralympic team at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro won seven gold, silver and bronze medals.
The UAE's focus is on excellence, while staying true to transparency and supra-development. It still has miles to go, as it becomes the best of the best. The 21st century belongs to it.
- mehkri@khaleejtimes.com

"Exploring the future and planning for it is a fundamental element of achieving prosperity." — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai